Mozambique opposition demands inquiry into possible existance of police death squad
Mozambique’s opposition has demanded an independent investigation into a series of unexplained killings and the possible existence of a police death squad.
Afonso Dhlakama, leader of the main opposition party Renamo, said an inquiry separate from a police investigation was needed into the killing of 15 people last month in the Gorongosa region, north of the capital Maputo.
Renamo is accusing the ruling Frelimo party of burning homes and killing civilians in a campaign against Renamo guerrillas, violence that has forced thousands of Mozambicans to flee into neighbouring Malawi.
Each party accuses the other of attacks on their members in various parts of the country as a simmering conflict between the old civil war foes has escalated since a fiercely contested national election in 2014.
“We need Frelimo to accept the creation of a commission of inquiry (into the 15 deaths) not just composed of members of parliament, but also members of civil society and journalists,” Dhlakama said in an interview with television channel STV.
Police spokesman Inacio Dimas said an investigation into the deaths was ongoing and that the government did not oppose any independent probe.
